Peru and Colombia have met standards to be considered for visa-free-access to the European region after years of rising economic conditions and improved security.

The reasons for negotiating the visa status of Peru en Columbia were explained in detail in two reports that were released yesterday by the European Commission. There is still much to be investigated although the countries fulfill many criteria such as economic opportunity, lower security threats and low irregular migration levels. (more…)

The remains of victims slain during Peru’s Dirty War three decades ago have returned to Peru. Hundreds of family members, small farmers that came from the remote mountains, arrived in Ayacucho to receive 80 sets of remains. The bones of mothers, fathers, wives, children and brothers were bore in simple white coffins.

Some of the victims were accused of collaborating with Guerrillas and killed by soldiers; others were slain by Shining Path rebels.

Since 2006, forensic teams have been trying to retrieve victims (more…)

The 15th Agro-industrial, Ecotourism and Crafts Livestock fair will be held from October 28 to November the 2. This year more than 15.000 visitors are expected.

“The show will be officially opened on 29 October”, says Jose Villegas, the Chairman of Lambayeque Cattle Breeders Association. The show is meant to promote the cattle industry through the consumption of meat, milk and dairy products.

Prior to the festival, there will be a colorful parade, which brings together the Lambayeque’s regional officials. (more…)

Monday, 27-10-2014.Pope Francis welcomed and blessed hundreds of Peruvian pilgrims at the St. Peter’s Square in Rome on the occasion of the Lord of Miracles’ procession through the Vatican.

The holy father recalled the beatification of Mother Assunta Marchetti. Afterwards he adressed incense burners, women singers, and carriers who were dressed in purple, and came to Angelus in procession for praying and singing.

The pope said: “I greet all the pilgrims. My thoughts go in a special way to the Peruvian community in Rome (more…)

Archaeologists have documented the highest altitude human occupation in the world, during the ice age. The Pucuncho Basin is located nearly 4,500 meters above sea level. The rock shelter found was used as a base camp. Presumed is that hunting, and herding of domesticated alpacas and llamas, was the main way of living.

Because of the discoveries, high altitude human habitation can be dated a thousand years earlier than previously believed. About 12,000 years ago hunter-gatherers colonized the high mountains. (more…)

The Festival de Cine Europeo is back! Fifteen countries, presenting 48 European Movies in Lima until November 2.

For the Peruvian audience this is a perfect opportunity to experience European cinema and culture. The set-up of the festival is different than in previous years. Before, many more movies would be shown. This year there are fewer films, but the quality has improved. The program is divided in the categories fiction, documentary and films by Konrad Wolf.

Konrad Wolf is considered one of the great fathers of German film. (more…)

About twenty ancient artefacts have been returned to Peru by the United States. Some of them are more than 1,800 years old.

Pottery and pieces stolen from ancient graves are among the objects returned. Most date from before the 16th century, when the Spanish arrived in Peru. The items were found by U.S. custom service during investigations over several years. The objects belong to the people of Peru and are part of the rich heritage the country has. (more…)

Peru’s government has decided to build a cable car system to reach the Kuelap archaeological site. Kuelap is located in the cloud forest of the northern Amazonas region.

The cable car should make it easier for tourists to visit Kuelap on the top of a mountain. The archaeological site was declared cultural heritage in 2003 but this has not caused tourists to visit the place en masse. Most tourists go directly to the south of Peru to visit Machu Picchu.

The project is expected to cost $17.9 million, and will be ready to run for tourists in 2016. (more…)

On the first of November the cajón drum will be officially recognized as a Peruvian instrument. The Organization of American States (OAS) headquarters in Washington will do the honors.

The Afro-Peruvian cajón is an instrument introduced by slave musicians in the Spanish colonial Americas. In Peru, to be exact. The sound is typical for Peruvian creole music and in international music genres such as gypsy flamenco.

Mango from Peru is getting more and more popular internationally. Not just the fresh fruit’s popularity has increased but also dried mango, canned mango and juice. The fruit has become an important export product for Peru’s agriculture.

Mango exports reached a value of US$ 119.9 million dollars between January and August this year, says the Association of Exporters (ADEX). Compared to the same period a year ago this means a 27.2 % increase. Number one importer of the Peruvian Mango are the Netherlands (US$ 44.6 million), number two are the United States (US$ 39.2 million). (more…)

An embarrassing event happened during the regional semifinal of the ‘Copa Peru’. Some football players of the losing team (Bolívar de Tumbes) just dropped to the floor and pretended to be injured. The referee had to stop the game and therefore the winning team wasn’t able to score more goals.

When there were just 7 minutes of playtime left 5 players of the Bolívar de Tumbes team rushed to the floor grapping at their legs, as if they were injured and could not play anymore. At that time the score was 4-1. The winning team La Bocana ignored the other players and scored a 5-1. (more…)